Album Review: Dinosaur Jr. – I Bet On Sky

Dinosaur Jr., originally called “Dinosaur,” started making music as a band in Massachussets. From 1984 until 1997, the trio comprised of Joseph Masics, Lou Barlow, and Pat Murphy A.K.A. “Murph,” contributed significantly to indie-alternative rock in America. After releasing “Dinosaur”, “You’re Living All Over Me“, and “Bug“, J, Lou, and Murph decided to temporarily call it quits.

The music before the split was placid- a result of the boys being young and under the influence of many different bands and genres. Facing differences of opinion and varying musical preferences, they chose to disband and pursue different things. The hiatus ended in 2005, when Dinosaur Jr. began touring again, in their original form.

So what does a band that’s been successfully resurrected sound like? In this case: a psychedelic version of Nirvana, with guitar more striking than Cobain’s, and vocals more mellow. Masics can scarcely be heard over the driving guitar gain. Everything else is almost secondary, perhaps shedding a bit of light on why Masics and Barlow experienced turbulence in the first place. Nevertheless, it seems they’ve worked it out because “I Bet On Sky” is pretty great. The sound is loud, intense, and reminiscent of the time when bands formed in dirty basements and garages, and marketability was subservient to real talent. Look out, brain-melting pop. Face-melting rock is making a comeback.

If you’ve checked out their website and you still aren’t convinced Dinosaur Jr. is worth paying attention to, watch this:

It’s the official video for ‘Over It‘, from their last album Farm. It’s almost unfair how cool these guys are.

Dinosaur Jr’s newest record “I Bet On Sky” is being released on September 18th via. Jagjaguar and they’ll be playing a total of three Toronto shows to celebrate the release. All three of them will be at Lee’s Palace, beginning on the night of September 24th, and ending on the 26th. “Three Nights of Dinosaur Jr.” will also celebrate the 27th anniversary of their first release.

Tickets are available here.

I Bet On Sky Track Listing:

01 Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know
02 Watch the Corners
03 Almost Fare
04 Stick a Toe In
05 Rude
06 I Know It Oh So Well
07 Pierce the Morning Rain
08 What Was That
09 Recognition
10 See It on Your Side

Review by: Daniela Rupolo